Detachable electrocardiograpey device

ABSTRACT

An electrocardiographic system, the electrocardiographic system includes a first part that includes: a first housing that comprises of a first bottom layer that is elastic and has an underside provided with an adhesive material; a first set of electrodes that is located within the first housing; wherein the first set of electrodes comprises at least one first electrode; a second part that comprises: a second housing that comprises a second bottom layer that has an underside provided with an adhesive material; a second set of electrodes that are located within the second housing; wherein the second set of electrodes comprises at least one second electrode; a mechanical adaptor that is arranged to be detachably connected to a electrocardiographic device that comprises a processor and a wireless transmitter; and an electrical connector that is detachably is arranged to be detachably connected to the electrocardiographic device and to electrically couple the electrocardiographic device to conductors that convey signals from the first and second sets of electrodes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a detachable electrocardiography device and amethod for electrocardiography.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During the last couple of years the importance of health monitoring hasincreased. Remote health monitoring allows the patients to continue withtheir daily routine without being restricted to hospitals of dedicatedlaboratories.

There is a growing need to provide efficient health monitors that arecompact and are accurate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to various embodiments of the invention there is provided adetachable electrocardiographic system that may include a first partthat may include a first housing that may include of a first bottomlayer that is elastic and has an underside provided with an adhesivematerial; a first set of electrodes that is located within the firsthousing; wherein the first set of electrodes may include at least onefirst electrode; a second part that may include a second housing thatmay include a second bottom layer that has an underside provided with anadhesive material; a second set of electrodes that are located withinthe second housing; wherein the second set of electrodes may include atleast one second electrode; a mechanical adaptor that may be arranged tobe detachably connected to a electrocardiographic device that mayinclude a processor and a wireless transmitter; and an electricalconnector that is detachably may be arranged to be detachably connectedto the electrocardiographic device and to electrically couple theelectrocardiographic device to conductors that convey signals from thefirst and second sets of electrodes.

The detachable electrocardiographic system may include theelectrocardiograph device.

The electrocardiograph device may include a processor for processingelectrical signals from the first and second sets of electrodes and awireless transmitter for transmitting an outcome of the processing ofthe electrical signals.

The conductors may include a shielded wire that electrically couples thefirst set of electrodes to the second part of the detachableelectrocardiograph system.

The second part may include an intermediate flexible layer; wherein theelectrodes may be positioned between the second bottom portion and theintermediate flexible layer.

The detachable electrocardiographic system may include a firstelectrical circuit that may include the second set of electrodes and afirst set of conductors that are electrically coupled to electrodes ofthe first and second sets of electrodes.

The first electrical circuit may include a ground conductor that iselectrically coupled to a ground input of the electrical connector.

The detachable electrocardiographic system may include a secondelectrical circuit that may include a second set of conductors that areelectrically coupled to the first set of conductors and to theelectrical connector.

The intermediate flexible layer and a base layer of the mechanicaladaptor may be positioned between the first and second electricalcircuit, and wherein the inter-layer conductors extend through theintermediate flexible layer and the base layer of the mechanicaladaptor.

The conductors of the first and second sets of conductors may be arecoupled to each other via inter-layer conductors that are pass throughthe intermediate flexible layer and the base layer of the mechanicaladaptor.

The inter-layer conductors may include metallic bolts.

The metallic bolts may include a first set of bolts and a second set ofbolts; wherein the second set of bolts are coupled between the secondset of conductors and the first set of bolts and wherein the first setof bolts are coupled between the second set of conductors and the firstset of conductors.

Each bolt of the first set of bolts may be electrically coupled to abolt of the second set of bolts to provide a pair of coupled bolts;wherein each pair of coupled bolts is coupled to a single electrode outof the electrodes of the first and second set of electrodes.

Each bolt of the first set of bolts may penetrate through an openingformed in the intermediate layer and each bolt of the second set ofbolts penetrates through the openings formed in the base layer of themechanical adaptor.

The second electrical circuit may be positioned between the base layerof the mechanical adaptor and an upper layer of the mechanical adaptor.

The first and second sets of electrodes may essentially consist ofelectrodes located on a body of a patient substantially at the followingelectrodes connection locations (a) in the second intercostal space tothe right of the sternum, (b) on the intersection of the left medialclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space, (c) on the intersectionof the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillar line.

The first and second sets of electrodes may essentially consist of (a) afirst electrode that is substantially located on the intersection of thefifth intercostal space and left median-axillar line; (b) a secondelectrode that is substantially located on the body of the patient inthe second intercostal space to the right of the sternum; and (c) athird electrode that is substantially located on the body of the patienton the intersection of the left medial clavicular line and the fifthintercostal space; wherein (a) a first electrocardiographic signal isdetected between the second electrode and the first electrode; (b) asecond electrocardiographic signal is detected between the secondelectrode and the third electrode; and (c) a third electrocardiographicsignal is detected between the third electrode and the first electrode.

The first and second sets of electrodes may essentially consist ofelectrodes located on a body of a patient substantially at the followingelectrode connection locations (a) in the second intercostal space tothe right of the sternum, (b) on the intersection of the left medialclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space, (c) on the intersectionof the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillar line, and (d) areference electrode that is substantially located in proximity to anelectrode of the electrode group that is located in the secondintercostal space to the right of the sternum.

The second set electrodes may essentially consist of electrodes locatedon a body of a patient substantially at the following electrodeconnection locations (a) on the intersection of the left medialclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space and (b) on theintersection of the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillarline, and wherein the first set of electrodes essentially consists of anelectrode and a reference electrode located on the body of the patientsubstantially at substantially a second intercostal space to the rightof the sternum.

The first set electrodes may essentially consist of electrodes locatedon a body of a patient substantially at the following electrodeconnection locations (a) on the intersection of the left medialclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space and (b) on theintersection of the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillarline, and wherein the second set of electrodes essentially consists ofan electrode and a reference electrode located on the body of thepatient substantially at substantially a second intercostal space to theright of the sternum.

The detachable electrocardiographic system may include shieldingelements for shielding the conductors that convey signals from the firstand second sets of electrodes to the electrical connector.

The electrical connector may include a housing that is connected to thebase layer of the mechanical adaptor and may include a socket that maybe arranged to move in relation to base layer of the mechanical adaptor

There may be provided a method for electrocardiographic detecting, themethod may include receiving electrocardiographic signals by aelectrocardiographic device of an electrocardiographic system; theelectrocardiographic system further may include an adaptor that mayinclude a first part and a second part; wherein the first part mayinclude a first housing that may include of a first bottom layer that iselastic and has an underside provided with an adhesive material; a firstset of electrodes that is located within the first housing; wherein thefirst set of electrodes may include at least one first electrode;wherein the second part may include a second housing that may include asecond bottom layer that has an underside provided with an adhesivematerial; a second set of electrodes that are located within the secondhousing; wherein the second set of electrodes may include at least onesecond electrode; a mechanical adaptor that may be arranged to bedetachably connected to the electrocardiographic device that may includea processor and a wireless transmitter; and an electrical connector thatis detachably may be arranged to be detachably connected to theelectrocardiographic device and to electrically couple theelectrocardiographic device to conductors that convey signals from thefirst and second sets of electrodes; and providing, by theelectrocardiographic device, electrocardiographic information inresponse to the electrocardiographic signals.

Each of the electrocardiographic signals is detected between a differentpair of electrodes out of an electrode group that substantially consistsof electrodes located on a body of a patient substantially at thefollowing electrodes connection locations (a) in the second intercostalspace to the right of the sternum, (b) on the intersection of the leftmedial clavicular line and the fifth intercostal space, (c) on theintersection of the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillarline.

The receiving may include receiving the electrocardiographic signalsdetected between different pairs of electrodes out of the electrodegroup, wherein the electrode group substantially consist of (a) a firstelectrode that is substantially located on the intersection of the fifthintercostal space and left median-axillar line; (b) a third electrodethat is substantially located on the body of the patient in the secondintercostal space to the right of the sternum; and (c) a fourthelectrode that is substantially located on the body of the patient onthe intersection of the left medial clavicular line and the fifthintercostal space; wherein (a) a first electrocardiographic signal isdetected between the third electrode and the first electrode; (b) asecond electrocardiographic signal is detected between the thirdelectrode and the fourth electrode; and (c) a third electrocardiographicsignal is detected between the fourth electrode and the secondelectrode.

The receiving may follow a stage of detecting the electrocardiographicsignals, wherein the detecting further may include detecting at leastone of the electrocardiographic signals by implementing a referenceelectrode that is substantially located in proximity to an electrode ofthe electrode group that is located on the intersection of the fifthintercostal space and left median-axillar line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Inthe drawings, similar reference characters denote similar elementsthroughout the different views, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a patient that wears an electrocardiograph systempositioned at a lower configuration according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a isometric view of an electrocardiograph system positioned ata lower configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an electrocardiograph system positioned at alower configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a isometric view of an electrocardiograph system positioned ata lower configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an electrocardiograph system without anelectrocardiograph device position at a lower configuration according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a first electrical circuit according to an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a second electrical circuit according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of some layer of a second part of theelectrocardiograph system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a patient that wears an electrocardiograph systempositioned at an upper configuration according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 10 is a isometric view of an electrocardiograph system positionedat an upper configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an electrocardiograph system without anelectrocardiograph device position at an upper configuration accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an electrocardiographic system, according to anembodiment of the invention

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a method for electrocardiographic detecting,according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an electrocardiographic system, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a method for providing a cardiological problemindication, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a method for providing a cardiological problemindication, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 18-21 illustrate a comparison between cardiograms recorded by anembodiment of the electrocardiographic system, and cardiograms recordedusing a standard 12 leads ECG;

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the electrocardiographdevice that comprises a male connector according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a portion of the electrocardiographdevice that comprises a male connector according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a portion of the mechanical adaptor thatcomprises a female connector according to an embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the mechanical adaptorthat comprises a female connector according to an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Electro-Mechanical Arrangement

FIG. 1 illustrates a patient 11 that wears an electrocardiograph system10 positioned at a lower configuration according to an embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an electrocardiograph system10 positioned at a lower configuration according to an embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 3 is a side view of an electrocardiograph system 10positioned at a lower configuration according to an embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an electrocardiograph system10 positioned at a lower configuration according to an embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an electrocardiograph system 10without an electrocardiograph device position at a lower configurationaccording to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a firstelectrical circuit 42 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG.7 illustrates a second electrical circuit 45 according to an embodimentof the invention. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of some layer of a secondpart of the electrocardiograph system 10 according to an embodiment ofthe invention. FIG. 9 illustrates a patient 11 that wears anelectrocardiograph system 10 positioned at an upper configurationaccording to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 is an isometricview of an electrocardiograph system 10 positioned at an upperconfiguration according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 is anexploded view of an electrocardiograph system 10 without anelectrocardiograph device position at an upper configuration accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

When positioned at an upper position the second part 40 is positionedabove the first part 30. When positioned at a lower position the secondpart 40 is positioned below the first part 30.

The following table provides a list of reference numbers and theelements associated with the reference numbers.

TABLE 1 10 Electrocardiographic system 11 Patient 12Electrocardiographic device 14, 234, LL - electrode located at electrodeconnection location on 433 the intersection of the left medialclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space and is commonly referredto as V4 15, 231, LA - electrode connection location on the intersectionof 431 the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillar line and iscommonly referred to as V6 16, 235 RA - reference electrode (FIGS. 2, 9and 12) 18, 233, RL - electrode connection location in the secondintercostal 432 space to the right of the sternum and is commonlyreferred to as V1 18 Shielded wire 30 First part of an adaptor 31 Firstbottom layer 32 Third electrical circuit 33 Cover layer 34 Firstelectrode 34 Second electrode 40 Second part of an adaptor 41 Secondbottom layer 42 First electrical circuit 43 Intermediate flexible layer44 Base layer of mechanical adaptor 45 Second electrical circuit 46 Toplayer of mechanical adaptor 47 Electrical connector 51 First electricalnode 52 Second electrical node 53 Third electrical node 54 Fourthelectrical node 55 Third electrode 56 Fourth electrode 57 Ground element60 First set of bolts 61 Opening formed in the intermediate layer 62Second set of bolts 63 Openings formed in the base layer of themechanical adaptor 64 Fifth electrical node 65 Sixth electrical node 66Seventh electrical node 67 Eighth electrical node 68 Top element 69Hollow support elements formed in the base layer of the mechanicaladaptor 70 Screw housing (also referred to as screw cover). Formed inthe top layer of the mechanical adaptor 81 Screws 82 Sealing elementspositioned below the screws (also referred to as screw cover). 90 Maleconnector 91 Pins of male connector 92 Locking pins of male connector 93Female connector 94 Recess - corresponds to the locking pins of the maleconnector 95 Tunnels (openings) of the female connector

According to an embodiment of the invention there may be provided adetachable electrocardiographic system 10 that may include an adaptorthat includes a first part 30, and a second part 40.

The first part 30 may include:

-   -   a. A first housing that may include a cover layer 33 and first        bottom layer 31 that are elastic and has an underside provided        with an adhesive material.    -   b. A first set of electrodes (such as first and second        electrodes 34 and 35) that is located within the first housing.        The first set of electrodes may include at least one electrode.

The second part 40 that may include:

-   -   a. A second housing that may include a second bottom layer 41        that has an underside provided with an adhesive material and a        mechanical adaptor.    -   b. A second set of electrodes (such as electrodes 55 and 56)        that are located within the second housing. The second set of        electrodes may include at least one second electrode and are        included in first electrical circuit 42. The first electrical        circuit 42 also include first till fourth nodes 51-54 for        receiving signals from first till fourth electrodes 34, 35, 55        and 56 via conductors. It (42) also includes a ground element        that may be grounded (for example may be coupled to the        reference electrode and/or to a ground conductor of the        electrical connector 47).    -   c. A mechanical adaptor that is arranged to be detachably        connected to an electrocardiographic device 12 that may include        a processor and a wireless transmitter. The mechanical adaptor        includes that includes a base layer 44 and a top layer 46. The        base layer 44 has openings 63 for allowing conductive (metallic)        bolts 62 of a second set of bolts to pass therethrough.    -   d. An electrical connector 47 that is arranged to be detachably        connected to the electrocardiographic device and to electrically        couple the electrocardiographic device to conductors that convey        signals from the first and second sets of electrodes.

Signals from the first part 30 should reach the second part 40. This canbe done by using wireless communication (short range wirelesstransmitter or transceiver included in the first part 30 and short rangewireless receiver or transceiver located in second part 40).Alternatively, the first and second parts 30 and 40 can be connected bywire—such as shielded and elastic wire 18. The wire 18 is shielded inthe sense that the conductors that convey signals from electrodes 34 and34 are shielded from electromagnetic interference. Once reaching thesecond part 40 the signals can propagate through conductors of the firstand second electrical circuits 42 and 45 and through inter-layerconductors such as bolts 60 and 62 of first and second sets of bolts.

FIGS. 5, 8 and 11 illustrate the second part as also includingintermediate flexible layer 43 and second electrical circuit 45. Thesecond electrical circuit 45 includes fifth till eighth nodes 64-68 forreceiving signals from first till fourth electrodes 34, 35, 55 and56—these signals are conveyed via conductors and via bolts 60 and 62 offirst and second sets of bolts. These signals are provided to electricalconnector 47 that is detachably connected to the detachableelectrocardiograph device 12.

The first and second electrodes 34 and 35 of the first part 30 areelectrically coupled to the electrical connector 47 via conductors ofthe third electrical circuit 32, shielded wire 18, conductors that arecoupled to the first electrical circuit (provide such signals to secondand third nodes 52 and 53), two rear bolts 60 of the first set of bolts,two rear bolts 62 of the second set of bolts, two rear nodes 65 and 66of the second electrical circuit and conductors of the second electricalcircuit (from nodes to the electrical connector).

The third and fourth electrodes 55 and 56 of the second part 40 areelectrically coupled to the electrical connector 47 conductors that arecoupled to the first electrical circuit (provide such signals to firstand fourth nodes 51 and 54), two front bolts 60 of the first set ofbolts, two front bolts 62 of the second set of bolts, two front nodes 64and 66 of the second electrical circuit and conductors of the secondelectrical circuit (from nodes to the electrical connector).

The bolt 62 of the second set of bolts and the fourth till eighth nodes64-67 are pressed against the base layer of mechanical adaptor 44 bybolts 68 that interface with the lower surface of the top layer of themechanical adaptor 46.

The base layer of the mechanical adaptor 44, the top layer of themechanical adaptor 46 and the second electrical circuit may be fastenedto each other by screws 81 that pass through base and top layers 44 and46. These screws may be sealed by sealing covers 82. The screws may alsolock the electrocardiograph device 12 to the adaptor.

The intermediate flexible layer 43 may cover (overlap, partiallyoverlap) the second bottom layer 41 and provide mechanical protection tothe first electrical circuit. It has openings 61 for allowing conductive(metallic) bolts 60 of a first set of bolts to pass therethrough.

In FIGS. 5, 8 and 11 the order of layers, starting from bottom to topis:

-   -   a. Second bottom layer 41.    -   b. First electrical circuit 42.    -   c. Intermediate flexible layer 43.    -   d. Base layer of mechanical adaptor 44.    -   e. Second electrical circuit 45.    -   f. Top layer of mechanical adaptor 46.

It is noted that the electrical circuits (45, 42) can be replaced byother wiring elements. In FIGS. 1 and 9 the first and second sets ofelectrodes essentially consist of electrodes located on a body of apatient substantially at the following electrodes connection locations:(a) in the second intercostal space to the right of the sternum, (b) onthe intersection of the left medial clavicular line and the fifthintercostal space, (c) on the intersection of the fifth intercostalspace and left median-axillar line.

The first and second sets of electrodes essentially consist of: (a) afirst electrode that is substantially located on the intersection of thefifth intercostal space and left median-axillar line; (b) a secondelectrode that is substantially located on the body of the patient inthe second intercostal space to the right of the sternum; and (c) athird electrode that is substantially located on the body of the patienton the intersection of the left medial clavicular line and the fifthintercostal space; wherein: (a) a first electrocardiographic signal isdetected between the second electrode and the first electrode; (b) asecond electrocardiographic signal is detected between the secondelectrode and the third electrode; and (c) a third electrocardiographicsignal is detected between the third electrode and the first electrode.

The first and second sets of electrodes essentially consist ofelectrodes located on a body of a patient substantially at the followingelectrode connection locations: (a) in the second intercostal space tothe right of the sternum, (b) on the intersection of the left medialclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space, (c) on the intersectionof the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillar line, and (d) areference electrode that is substantially located in proximity to anelectrode of the electrode group that is located in the secondintercostal space to the right of the sternum.

The second set electrodes essentially consist of electrodes located on abody of a patient substantially at the following electrode connectionlocations: (a) on the intersection of the left medial clavicular lineand the fifth intercostal space and (b) on the intersection of the fifthintercostal space and left median-axillar line, and wherein the firstset of electrodes essentially consists of an electrode and a referenceelectrode located on the body of the patient substantially atsubstantially a second intercostal space to the right of the sternum.

The first set electrodes essentially consist of electrodes located on abody of a patient substantially at the following electrode connectionlocations: (a) on the intersection of the left medial clavicular lineand the fifth intercostal space and (b) on the intersection of the fifthintercostal space and left median-axillar line, and wherein the secondset of electrodes essentially consists of an electrode and a referenceelectrode located on the body of the patient substantially atsubstantially a second intercostal space to the right of the sternum.

The detachable electrocardiographic system may include shieldingelements for shielding the conductors that convey signals from the firstand second sets of electrodes to the electrical connector.

The electrical connector may include a housing that is connected to thebase layer of the mechanical adaptor and may include a socket that isarranged to move in relation to base layer of the mechanical adaptor

Signal Processing

FIG. 12 illustrates an electrocardiographic system 10, according to anembodiment of the invention. Electrocardiogram system 10 includes anelectrocardiogram device 12 that includes a processor 220 and interface210. System 10 also includes first and second parts 30 and 40. Forsimplicity of explanation shielded wire 18 was hot shown.

Processor 220 is adapted to receive electrocardiographic signals and toprovide electrocardiographic information in response to theelectrocardiographic signals, wherein each of the electrocardiographicsignals is detected between a different pair of electrodes out of anelectrode group 230 that substantially consists of electrodes located ona body of a patient substantially at the following electrodes connectionlocations: (a) in the second intercostal space to the right of thesternum (denoted 103), (b) on the intersection of the left medialclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space (denoted 104), (c) onthe intersection of the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillarline (denoted 101). Electrode group 230 can also include one or morereference electrode s.

Referring to accepted electrocardiography 12-leads electrographelectrode connection locations, it is clear to a person who is skilledin the art that: (a) the electrode connection location in the secondintercostal space to the right of the sternum is commonly referred to asV1; (b) the electrode connection location on the intersection of theleft medial clavicular line and the fifth intercostal space is commonlyreferred to as V4; and (c) the electrode connection location on theintersection of the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillar lineis commonly referred to as V6.

It is noted that electrode group 230 can belong to electrocardiographysystem 10 or be connected to such a system. The electrodes that formelectrode group 230 can be detachably connected to such a system butthis is not necessarily so.

Conveniently, the electrode group 230 includes (or is connected to)three signal electrodes (first through third electrodes 231, 233, and234) and a single reference electrode 235, wherein:

-   -   a. First electrode 231 of electrode group 230 is substantially        located on the body of the patient on the intersection of the        fifth intercostal space and left median-axillar line (i.e.        electrode connection location 101);    -   b. Second electrode 233 of electrode group 230 is substantially        located on the body of the patient in the second intercostal        space to the right of the sternum (i.e. electrode connection        location 103);    -   c. Third electrode 234 of electrode group 230 is substantially        located on the body of the patient on the intersection of the        left medial clavicular line and the fifth intercostal space        (i.e. electrode connection location 104); and    -   d. Reference electrode 235 is substantially located on the body        of the patient in proximity to any one of electrodes 232, 233        and 234 of the electrode group 230. In FIG. 12 the reference        electrode is located near the second electrode 233—is        substantially located on the body of the patient in the second        intercostal space to the right of the sternum. In FIG. 15 the        reference electrode is located near first and third electrodes.

According to such an embodiment of the invention, theelectrocardiographic signals detected are conveniently: (a) a firstelectrocardiographic signal (also referred to a D-electrocardiographicsignal) is detected between second electrode 233 and first electrode231; (b) a second electrocardiographic signal (also referred to asA-electrocardiographic signal) is detected between second electrode 233and third electrode 234; and (c) a third electrocardiographic signal(also referred to as J-electrocardiographic signal) is detected betweenthird electrode 234 and first electrode 231. An electrocardiographicsignal is detected as the difference between voltage levels detected bya pair of electrodes.

It is noted that, according to an embodiment of the invention, sinceboth the first and the third electrocardiographic signals are detectedbetween first electrode 231 and another electrode, the first and thethird electrocardiographic signals are detected at different times.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the invention, firstelectrode 231 is adapted to serve as a positive electrode during adetecting of the first electrocardiographic signal, and as a negativeelectrode during a detecting of the third electrocardiographic signal(or vice versa).

It is noted that the first electrocardiographic signal (denoted D)conveniently characterizes a potential of a posterior wall of a leftventricle of a heart of the patient.

Similarly, the second electrocardiographic signal (denoted A)conveniently characterizes a potential of an anterior wall of the leftventricle, and the third electrocardiographic signal (denoted J)conveniently characterizes a diaphragmal surface of the heart.

Table 2 illustrates a positioning of electrodes 230, according to anembodiment of the invention.

TABLE 2 Lead pairs (Nehb adapted) D A J Red (−) V1 X X Black (+) V4 X XYellow (+/−) V6 X X Green (G) Close to V6 Ground Ground Ground

As aforementioned, first electrode 231 can use for detecting of thefirst and the third electrocardiographic signals having oppositepolarities in each case. For example, according to an embodiment of theinvention wherein second electrode 233 serves as a negative terminal andfourth electrode serves as a positive terminal 234 (thus enablingdetection of A-electrocardiographic signal), first electrode 231 servesas a positive terminal during a detecting of the firstelectrocardiographic signal, thus enabling the detection ofD-electrocardiographic signal, as a negative terminal during a detectingof the third electrocardiographic signal, thus enabling the detecting ofJ-electrocardiographic signal.

It is noted that the same could be achieved by an additional fourthelectrode (not illustrated) that is located in an immediate proximity tofirst electrode 231, even though it is conveniently achieved by a singlefirst electrode 231. However, according to such an embodiment of theinvention, as first electrode 231 and the fourth electrode need to belocated on the body of the patient in immediate proximity to each other,it is noted that according to an embodiment of the invention, firstelectrode 231 and the fourth are incorporated into an electrodesassembly (not shown), which is adapted to be connected to the body ofthe patient, and to ensure electrical connectivity of the electrodesincorporated in which to the matching electrodes connection locations,as well as to isolate the electrodes incorporated in the electrodesassembly from each other.

According to different embodiments of the invention, the electrodesassembly includes any subgroup of a group of proximate electrodes thatincludes first electrode 231, the fourth electrode, and referenceelectrode 235 (e.g. the electrodes assembly can include first electrode231 and reference electrode 235).

It is noted that incorporating two or three electrodes into a singleelectrodes assembly can serve for two purposes. Firstly, aselectrocardiographic system 10 could be conveniently used in emergencysituation, where time is a crucial factor, not only does it takes lesstime to connect the electrodes assembly to the body of the patient, italso lessen the likelihood of an electrode misallocated due to panic,poor working conditions, etc. Secondly, a preassembled electrodesassembly facilitates a closer locating of the electrodes that needs tobe as proximate as possible, thus increasing the accuracy of theelectrocardiographic measurement.

It is noted that, conveniently, electrocardiographic system 10 isfurther adapted to detect at least one of the electrocardiographicsignals by implementing reference electrode 235 that is substantiallylocated in proximity to first electrode 231 (i.e. in the proximity ofelectrode connection location 101). It is noted that according to otherembodiments of the invention, reference electrode 235 is locatedelsewhere on the body of the patient, such as (though not necessarily)in proximity to second electrode 233 or in proximity to third electrode234, wherein an appropriate electrodes assembly could incorporate thereference electrode as well as one of the third and the fourthelectrodes 233 and 234.

Conveniently, the connection location of reference electrode 235 to thebody of the patient is less significant than those of the otherelectrodes. The connection location of reference electrode s 235 may bedetermined in response to a convenience of connection referenceelectrode 235 to the body of the patient, to facilitate quick connectionof the electrodes of the electrode group 230, and hence quick detectingof the electrocardiographic signals.

It is noted that, according to an embodiment of the invention,electrocardiographic system 10 further includes amplifier 240, that isadapted to amplify at least one of the electrocardiographic signalsprior to the receiving of the at least one of the electrocardiographicsignals by processor 220.

Referring again to the aforementioned interface 210, interface 210 isadapted to transmit the electrocardiographic information received fromprocessor 220. According to different embodiments of the invention,interface 210 is adapted to transmit the electrocardiographicinformation to a unit of electrocardiographic system 10, to externalsystem 300 (or a unit thereof), or to both, wherein theelectrocardiographic information conveniently requires furtherprocessing to provide electrocardiographically assessable information.

According to an embodiment of the invention, electrocardiographic system10 further includes electrocardiographic processing unit 270 that isadapted to process the electrocardiographic information received fromprocessor 220, to provide electrocardiographically assessableinformation.

According to an embodiment of the invention, interface 210 includes anexternal system interface (not shown) for the providing of theelectrocardiographic information to external system 300, wherein theproviding of the electrocardiographic information is provided wither viaa data cable (not shown) or wirelessly (as illustrated in FIG. 1, e.g.via antenna 212). According to an embodiment of the invention, interface210 is adapted to provide the electrocardiographic informationwirelessly.

It is noted that, according to an embodiment of the invention whereinelectrocardiographic system 10 includes electrocardiographic processingunit 270, interface may provide to external system 300 theelectrocardiographically assessable information instead of (or on topof) the electrocardiographic information.

According to an embodiment of the invention, external system 300 islocated in proximity to electrocardiographic system 10, such as whenexternal system 300 is part of a medical emergency kit (e.g. of anambulance etc.), or when external system 300 is adapted for thedisplaying of the electrocardiographic information (or theelectrocardiographic assessable information), or for the printingthereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, external system 300 isa distant external system that can reside in a hospital or inemergencies support center, and is adapted to provide theelectrocardiographic information (or the electrocardiographic assessableinformation) to an ECG professional, for immediate assessing of theprovided information. According to such an embodiment of the invention,the connection between electrocardiographic system 10 and externalsystem 300 is conveniently a wireless one (e.g. supported by cellulartelephony communication).

According to an embodiment of the invention, electrocardiographic system10 is a compact mobile electrocardiographic system, such as a one thatcould be included in an emergency medical kit, or which could be storedby the patient that suffers from a severe heart condition.

Conveniently, electrocardiographic system 10 is designed for usage as acompact portable cardiographer device for express diagnostics in thesituations when professional cardiological assistance is not available.Being adapted to, according to some embodiments of the invention,provide a telecommunication feature that allows a fast transferring ofthe recorded cardiograms to the professionals allows for faster and moreadequate outpatient response in the case of emergencies.

For similar reasons, according to an embodiment of the invention,electrocardiographic system 10 further includes electrodes of electrodegroup 230, wherein each of the electrodes of the electrode group 230 isadapted to be detachably attached by the patient to the body of thepatient at one of the electrode connection locations.

According to an embodiment of the invention, electrocardiographic system10 further includes memory unit 250, for storing of theelectrocardiographic information (or the electrocardiographic assessableinformation), or part of which.

It is noted that, according to an embodiment of the invention,electrocardiographic system 10 is adapted to detect theelectrocardiographic signals of the patient in a normal condition andstoring the relative electrocardiographic information in memory unit250. Later, in situation of emergency, the previously storedelectrocardiographic information pertaining to the normal conditioncould be provided by electrocardiographic system 10 along with thecurrently provided electrocardiographic information pertaining to thesituation of emergency, thus offering an ECG professional moreinformation upon which to analyze the provided electrocardiographicinformation.

According to an embodiment of the invention, electrocardiographic system10 further includes display 260, for displaying the electrocardiographicinformation (or the electrocardiographic assessable information), orpart of which.

It is clear to a person who is skilled in the art that the modificationof the method of classic Nehb's electrode placing that is disclosedaccording to the herein offered invention includes placing of one ormore electrodes in V6 or the immediate proximity thereof, instead of inV7. Another modification disclosed is a locating of reference electrode235 aside a V6 electrode. Both of those modifications facilitate theimplementing of electrocardiographic system 10 as a portableelectrocardiographer.

It is noted that the topographic approximation of reference electrode235 to first electrode 231 will not interfere with the quality andcapability to be evaluate of the ECG recordings, since the direction ofthe leads vectors is preserved; on the other hand it will be actually ofbenefit when used in an electrocardiographic system 10 that is designedfor emergency diagnostics of life threatening heart conditions when therapid, reliable and simple method of ECG recording is critical.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate method 500 for electrocardiographicdetecting, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein FIG. 14illustrates different implementations of the stage of receiving,according to different embodiments of invention. It is noted thatconveniently, different embodiments of method 500 are adapted to becarried out by different embodiments of electrocardiographic system 10,and as is clear to a person who is skilled in the art, method 500 couldbe easily adapted to support the different embodiments ofelectrocardiographic system 10 (some of which are discussed above), evenif not specifically discussed in relation to method 500. Therefore, aperson who is skilled in the art may benefit from considering method 500and different embodiments thereof in view of the different discussedembodiments of electrocardiographic system 10.

According to an embodiment of the invention, method 500 starts withstage 510 of detecting electrocardiographic signals, wherein each of theelectrocardiographic signals is detected between a different pair ofelectrodes out of an electrode group that substantially consists ofelectrodes located on a body of a patient substantially at the followingelectrodes connection locations: (a) in the second intercostal space tothe right of the sternum, (b) on the intersection of the left medialclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space, (c) on the intersectionof the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillar line.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 510 includes stage511 of detecting at least one of the electrocardiographic signals byimplementing a reference electrode. According to an embodiment of theinvention, method 500 includes stage 520 of amplifying at least one ofthe electrocardiographic signals. Referring to the examples set forwardin the previous drawings, stage 520 is conveniently carried out byamplifier 240.

Method 500 continues with stage 530 of receiving electrocardiographicsignals, wherein each of the electrocardiographic signals is detectedbetween a different pair of electrodes out of an electrode group thatsubstantially consists of electrodes located on a body of a patientsubstantially at the following electrodes connection locations: (a) inthe second intercostal space to the right of the sternum, (b) on theintersection of the left medial clavicular line and the fifthintercostal space, (c) on the intersection of the fifth intercostalspace and left median-axillar line. Referring to the examples setforward in the previous drawings, stage 530 is conveniently carried outby processor 220.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 530 includes stage531 of receiving the electrocardiographic signals detected betweendifferent pairs of electrodes out of the electrode group, wherein afirst electrode of the electrode group is substantially located on theintersection of the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillarline, and a fourth electrode of the electrode group is located in animmediate proximity to the first electrode, wherein each of the threeelectrocardiographic signals is detected between a pair of electrodesselected from the electrode group which is different from a pairconsisting of the first electrode and the fourth electrode. However, asdisclosed above, conveniently there is no need in two electrodes, andthe first electrode suffices, wherein —as aforementioned—the firstelectrodes may serve as a terminal having a first polarity (e.g.positive) during the detecting of the first electrocardiographic signal,and as a terminal having a second polarity (e.g. negative) during thedetecting of the third signal.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 530 includes stage532 of receiving the electrocardiographic signals detected betweendifferent pairs of electrodes out of the electrode group, wherein theelectrode group substantially consist of: (a) a first electrode that issubstantially located on the intersection of the fifth intercostal spaceand left median-axillar line; (b) a second electrode that issubstantially located on the body of the patient in the secondintercostal space to the right of the sternum; and (c) a third electrodethat is substantially located on the body of the patient on theintersection of the left medial clavicular line and the fifthintercostal space; wherein: (a) a first electrocardiographic signal isdetected between the second electrode and the first electrode; (b) asecond electrocardiographic signal is detected between the secondelectrode and the third electrode; and (c) a third electrocardiographicsignal is detected between the third electrode and the first electrode.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 530 includes stage533 of receiving the electrocardiographic signals by a compact mobileelectrocardiographic system.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 530 includes stage534 of receiving the electrocardiographic signals detected betweendifferent pairs of electrodes out of the electrode group, wherein eachof the electrodes of the electrode group is adapted to be detachablyattached by the patient to the body of the patient at one of theelectrode connection locations.

Stage 530 is followed by stage 540 of providing electrocardiographicinformation in response to the electrocardiographic signals. It is notedthat, according to an embodiment of the invention, stage 540 includesproviding the electrocardiographic information by the compact mobileelectrocardiographic system. Referring to the examples set forward inthe previous drawings, stage 540 is conveniently carried out byprocessor 220.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 540 is followed bystage 550 of processing the electrocardiographic information to provideelectrocardiographically assessable information. Referring to theexamples set forward in the previous drawings, stage 540 is carried out,according to an embodiment of the invention, by electrocardiographicprocessing unit 270.

Method 500 continues with stage 560 of transmitting theelectrocardiographic information. It is noted that, according to someembodiments of the invention, the transmitting may include transmittingthe electrocardiographically assessable information instead of (or ontop of) the electrographic information. Referring to the examples setforward in the previous drawings, stage 560 is conveniently carried outby interface 210.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 560 includes stage561 of transmitting the electrocardiographic information wirelessly.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 560 includestransmitting the electrocardiographic information by the compact mobileelectrocardiographic system.

FIGS. 18 through 21 illustrates a comparison between cardiograms 800recorded by an embodiment of electrocardiographic system 200, andcardiograms 700 recorded using a standard 12 leads ECG, wherein theelectrocardiographic signals illustrated therefor are the classic Nehb'selectrocardiographic signals Nehb's A, Nehb's D, and Nehb's J, referredto in the background.

It is noted that in each of FIGS. 18 through 21, the topmost cardiogramsare cardiogram 801 which is a D-electrocardiographic signal, andcardiogram 701 that is a Nehb's D-electrocardiographic signal; themiddle cardiograms are cardiogram 802 which is an A-electrocardiographicsignal, and cardiogram 702 that is a Nehb's A-electrocardiographicsignal; and the bottom cardiograms are cardiogram 803 which is aJ-electrocardiographic signal, and cardiogram 703 that is a Nehb'sJ-electrocardiographic signal, wherein each of the FIGS. 18 through 21illustrates cardiograms detected for a different healthy patient.

A person who is skilled in the art would learn that the resultsillustrated in FIGS. 18 through 21 indicate a very good correlationbetween the ECG cardiograms recorded by a standard cardiographer withthe ECG cardiograms recorded by an embodiment of electrocardiographicsystem 200, using the herein disclosed adapted Nehb's leads. It is notedthat these observations agree with previous prior-art studies (e.g.Seeberger M. D., et al. (1997) “The Inverse Nehb J lead increases thesensitivity of Holter Electrocardiographic monitoring for detectingmyocardial ischemia.” Am. J. Cardiol 80:1-5.; and Osterhues, H.-H., etal. (1994) “Improved detection of transient myocardial ischemia by a newlead combination: value of bipolar lead Nehb D for Holter-monitoring.”Am. Heart J. 127:559-566).

As will be clear to a person who is skilled in the art, there is apractical identity of the ECG cardiograms recorded byelectrocardiographic system 200 and those recorded by the standard12-leads ECG, and presence of sufficient number of diagnostic criteriaas compared to the 12-lead ECG, which allow an unambiguously determiningof most of ECG parameters and diagnostic criteria.

It is by now clear to a person who is skilled in the art that theelectrographic information provided by electrocardiographic system 200proved to be very applicable and informative for ECG diagnostics,providing good correlation with standard 12 lead ECG but requiring lesstime for recording, as only three active leads are in use.

Being positioned on the chest in the immediate proximity to the heart,and being aligned to the anatomic position of the heart, the hereindisclosed leads are very sensitive and allow accurate diagnostics ofdifferent heart conditions. Furthermore, all the active leads accordingto the disclosed invention are located on an anterolateral plane of achest wall of the patient, thus requiring little anatomical window,hence making the herein disclosed technique convenient for expressdiagnostics of different heart conditions, including emergency cases,such as acute ischemia or arrhythmias.

Adaptation of Nehb's leads as described herein suggests severalapplications for ECG diagnostics. Especially valuable is theimplementation of the herein disclosed systems and methods for compactcardiographers. Adapted Nehb's leads make ECG recording simple and fast,require a small anatomic window, while still allow to obtain completecardiographic criteria necessary for the express diagnostics in thecases when the patients are far from the inpatient hospitals and it iscomplicated to receive fast cardiological assistance.

By way of example, electrocardiographic systems 200 that are compactcardiographers of such kind can be located in dentists' offices,surgeons, gynecologists, etc. and to be used for other situations whenthe professional cardiological help is for any reason delayed.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the systems andmethods herein disclosed can be utilized for a relatively simpleself-control for chronic patients with cardiological history. By allmeans, timely ECG diagnostics will undoubtedly increase the chances forsuccessful medical help to the patient in acute situations.

FIG. 15 illustrates electrocardiographic system 10, according to anembodiment of the invention. Electrocardiographic system 10 includesfirst part 30, second part 40 and electrocardiographic device 12.Electrocardiographic device 12 may include: (a) processor 420 that isadapted to receive three electrocardiographic signals and to provide acardiological problem indication in response to the threeelectrocardiographic signals, wherein each of the threeelectrocardiographic signals is detected between a different pair ofelectrodes out of electrode group 430 that consists of three electrodes431, electronic messages generating system integrated agent 432 and 433located on a body of a patient; and (b) interface 410, adapted totransmit the cardiological problem indication received from processor420.

According to an embodiment of the invention, processor 420 is adapted toprovide the cardiological problem indication in response to the threeelectrocardiographic signals, wherein each of the threeelectrocardiographic signals is detected between a different pair ofelectrodes out of electrode group 430 that substantially consists ofthree electrodes 431, electronic messages generating system integratedagent 432 and 433 located on a body of a patient substantially at thefollowing electrodes connection locations: (a) in the second intercostalspace to the right of the sternum, (b) on the intersection of the leftmedial clavicular line and the fifth intercostal space, (c) on theintersection of the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillarline.

According to an embodiment of the invention, system 10 is furtheradapted to detect at least one of the electrocardiographic signals byimplementing reference electrode 435 that is, according to an embodimentof the invention, substantially located in proximity to an electrode ofelectrode group 430 that is located on the intersection of the fifthintercostal space and left median-axillar line.

According to an embodiment of the invention, processor 420 is furtheradapted to provide electrocardiographic information in response to thethree electrocardiographic signals (similarly to system 10 disclosedabove). According to an embodiment of the invention, processor 420 isadapted to process the electrocardiographic information, to provide thecardiological problem indication.

According to an embodiment of the invention, interface 410 is adapted totransmit the cardiological problem indication wirelessly.

According to an embodiment of the invention, system 10 further includesamplifier 440 that is adapted to amplify at least one of theelectrocardiographic signals prior to the receiving of the at least oneof the electrocardiographic signals by processor 420.

According to an embodiment of the invention, electrocardiographic system10 is a compact mobile electrocardiographic system, which isconveniently either handily portable by a medical practitioner or afirst aid provider, in order to quickly diagnose a patient, or adaptedto be carried by a patient in potential hazard for longer periods oftime, either for analysis or for monitoring his condition. Being able totransport the data wirelessly facilitate continuing monitoring by amedical center.

According to an embodiment of the invention, processor 420 is adapted toprovide an acute arrhythmias cardiological problem indication inresponse to the three electrocardiographic signals.

According to an embodiment of the invention, processor 420 is adapted toprovide an ischemia cardiological problem indication in response to thethree electrocardiographic signals.

According to an embodiment of the invention, interface 410 is adapted totransmit the cardiological problem indication to a handheldcommunication device, e.g. a cellular phone, a lap-top computer, or apersonal digital assistant.

According to an embodiment of the invention, electrocardiographic system10 further includes first, second and third electrodes 431, electronicmessages generating system integrated agent 432 and 433 (and potentiallyalso reference electrode 435), wherein, according to an embodiment ofthe invention, the three electrodes 431, 432 and 433 (and potentiallyalso reference electrode 435) are adapted to be self-attached to a bodyof a patient by the patient himself. The reference electrode 435 isillustrates as being positioned near electrodes 433 and 431 but may belocated near electrode 432.

Thus, a patient who is in a potential hazard can be easily trained toconnect the electrodes of system 10 to his body, either for regularmonitoring, or when the patient feels (or have other reason to suspect)he may suffer from a hazardous cardiological incident. Limiting thenumber of electrodes to four (counting reference electrode 435 as well),comparing to five electrodes which are needed for example by Holterdevices, facilitates a faster connecting of the electrodes to the bodyof the patient (either by the patient or by other person), and ease thetraining required for the correct connecting of the electrodes, thusenabling a chronic cardiological patient to be trained to place theelectrodes autonomously, facilitating the use of electrocardiographicsystem 10 as a self-usable electrocardiographic system, adapted to beowned and operated by people suffering from a heart condition.

It would be clear to a person who is skilled in the art that othercomponents and abilities disclosed in relation to system 10 and todifferent embodiments thereof could also be applied to system 10 and todifferent embodiments thereof, mutatis mutandis.

It is noted that conveniently, system 10 and different embodimentsthereof are adapted to carry out method 900 disclosed below, anddifferent embodiments thereof.

FIG. 16 illustrates method 900 for providing a cardiological problemindication, according to an embodiment of the invention.

According to an embodiment of the invention, method 900 starts withstage 910 of detecting at least one electrocardiographic signal of threeelectrocardiographic signals each of which is detected between adifferent pair of electrodes out of an electrode group that consists ofthree electrodes located on a body of a patient.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 910 includes stage911 of detecting the at least one electrocardiographic signal byimplementing a reference electrode that may be positioned in proximityto any electrode of the electrode group.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 910 is followed bystage 920 of amplifying at least one of the electrocardiographicsignals.

Method 900 continues with stage 930 of receiving threeelectrocardiographic signals, wherein each of the threeelectrocardiographic signals is detected between a different pair ofelectrodes out of an electrode group that consists of three electrodeslocated on a body of a patient.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 930 includes stage931 of receiving the three electrocardiographic signals, wherein each ofthe three electrocardiographic signals is detected between a differentpair of electrodes out of an electrode group that substantially consistsof three electrodes located on a body of a patient substantially at thefollowing electrodes connection locations: (a) in the second intercostalspace to the right of the sternum, (b) on the intersection of the leftmedial clavicular line and the fifth intercostal space, (c) on theintersection of the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillarline.

Stage 930 is conveniently followed by stage 940 of processing the threeelectrocardiographic signals, to determine a cardiological problemstatus in response to the three electrocardiographic signals.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 940 further includesstage 941 of processing the three electrocardiographic signals toprovide electrocardiographic information (see for example discussion inrelation to system 10 and to method 500).

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 940 includes stage942 of processing the electrocardiographic information, to provide thecardiological problem indication.

Method 900 continues with stage 950 of providing a cardiological problemindication in response to the three electrocardiographic signals.Conveniently, the cardiological problem indication is provided only ifthe cardiological problem status was determined problematic afterprocessing the three electrocardiographic signals. It is noted thatprocessing the three electrocardiographic signals suffices to detect awide variety of cardiological problems, an early detection of which(that hopefully leads to a short door to needle span) may save the lifeof the patient, or significantly limit any damages of differentcardiological situations.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 950 includes stage951 of providing the electrocardiographic information in response to thethree electrocardiographic signals (wherein the electrocardiographicinformation is conveniently acquired during stage 941).

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 950 includes stage952 of providing an acute arrhythmias cardiological problem indicationin response to the three electrocardiographic signals.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 950 includes stage953 of providing an ischemia cardiological problem indication inresponse to the three electrocardiographic signals.

Stage 950 is conveniently followed by stage 960 of transmitting thecardiological problem indication.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 960 further includestransmitting the electrocardiographic information (wherein it is notedthat if no cardiological problem indication is generated, theelectrocardiographic information could be transmitting separately).

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 960 includes stage961 of transmitting the cardiological problem indication wirelessly.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 960 includestransmitting the cardiological problem indication to a handheldcommunication device.

It is noted that according to an embodiment of the invention, the stagesof receiving and providing (and potentially all the stages of method900) are carried out by a compact mobile electrocardiographic system.

It would be clear to a person who is skilled in the art that otherstages and details disclosed in relation to method 500 and to differentembodiments thereof could also be applied to method 900 and to differentembodiments thereof, mutatis mutandis.

It is noted that conveniently, method 900 and different embodimentsthereof are adapted to be carry out by system 10 disclosed below, anddifferent embodiments thereof.

FIG. 17 illustrates method 1000 according to an embodiment of theinvention.

Method 1000 may start by stage 1010 of receiving by aelectrocardiographic device of an electrocardiographic system, signalsobtained from a first part and a second part of the electrocardiographicsystem; wherein the first part comprises: a first housing that comprisesof a first bottom layer that is elastic and has an underside providedwith an adhesive material; a first set of electrodes that is locatedwithin the first housing; wherein the first set of electrodes comprisesat least one first electrode; wherein the second part comprises a secondhousing that comprises a second bottom layer that has an undersideprovided with an adhesive material; a second set of electrodes that arelocated within the second housing; wherein the second set of electrodescomprises at least one second electrode; a mechanical adaptor that isarranged to be detachably connected to the electrocardiographic devicethat comprises a processor and a wireless transmitter; and an electricalconnector that is detachably is arranged to be detachably connected tothe electrocardiographic device and to electrically couple theelectrocardiographic device to conductors that convey signals from thefirst and second sets of electrodes.

Stage 1010 is followed by stage 1020 of providing, by theelectrocardiograph device, electrocardiographic information in responseto the electrocardiographic signals.

Each of the electrocardiographic signals may be detected between adifferent pair of electrodes out of an electrode group thatsubstantially consists of electrodes located on a body of a patientsubstantially at the following electrodes connection locations: (a) inthe second intercostal space to the right of the sternum, (b) on theintersection of the left medial clavicular line and the fifthintercostal space, (c) on the intersection of the fifth intercostalspace and left median-axillar line; and

Stage 1010 may include receiving the electrocardiographic signalsdetected between different pairs of electrodes out of the electrodegroup, wherein the electrode group substantially consist of: (a) a firstelectrode that is substantially located on the intersection of the fifthintercostal space and left median-axillar line; (b) a third electrodethat is substantially located on the body of the patient in the secondintercostal space to the right of the sternum; and (c) a fourthelectrode that is substantially located on the body of the patient onthe intersection of the left medial clavicular line and the fifthintercostal space; wherein: (a) a first electrocardiographic signal isdetected between the third electrode and the first electrode; (b) asecond electrocardiographic signal is detected between the thirdelectrode and the fourth electrode; and (c) a third electrocardiographicsignal is detected between the fourth electrode and the secondelectrode.

Stage 1020 may include detecting at least one of theelectrocardiographic signals by implementing a reference electrode thatis substantially located in proximity to an electrode of the electrodegroup that is located on the intersection of the fifth intercostal spaceand left median-axillar line.

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the electrocardiographdevice 12 that includes a male connector 90 according to an embodimentof the invention. FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a portion of theelectrocardiograph device 12 that includes a male connector 90 accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a portion of the mechanical adaptor thatincludes a female connector 93 according to an embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of a portion of themechanical adaptor that includes a female connector 93 according to anembodiment of the invention.

The male connector 90 include multiple (for example five) pins 91 thatfit the corresponding tunnels (openings) 95 of female connector 93. Thepins are arranged to slide into the corresponding openings until thelocking pins 92 of the male connector 90 enter the recess 94 that isformed at the exterior of the female connector 93 and mechanically locksthe device 12 to the adaptor.

The present invention can be practiced by employing conventional tools,methodology, and components. Accordingly, the details of such tools,components, and methodology are not set forth herein in detail. In theprevious descriptions, numerous specific details are set forth, in orderto provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,it should be recognized that the present invention might be practicedwithout resorting to the details specifically set forth.

Only exemplary embodiments of the present invention and but a fewexamples of its versatility are shown and described in the presentdisclosure. It is to be understood that the present invention is capableof use in various other combinations and environments and is capable ofchanges or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept asexpressed herein.

We claim:
 1. A detachable electrocardiographic system that comprises: afirst part that comprises: a first housing that comprises of a firstbottom layer that is elastic and has an underside provided with anadhesive material; a first set of electrodes that is located within thefirst housing; wherein the first set of electrodes comprises at leastone first electrode; a second part that comprises: a second housing thatcomprises a second bottom layer that has an underside provided with anadhesive material; a second set of electrodes that are located withinthe second housing; wherein the second set of electrodes comprises atleast one second electrode; a mechanical adaptor that is arranged to bedetachably connected to a electrocardiographic device that comprises aprocessor and a wireless transmitter; and an electrical connector thatis detachably is arranged to be detachably connected to theelectrocardiographic device and to electrically couple theelectrocardiographic device to conductors that convey signals from thefirst and second sets of electrodes.
 2. The detachableelectrocardiographic system according to claim 1 comprising theelectrocardiograph device.
 3. The detachable electrocardiographic systemaccording to claim 2 wherein the electrocardiograph device comprises aprocessor for processing electrical signals from the first and secondsets of electrodes and a wireless transmitter for transmitting anoutcome of the processing of the electrical signals.
 4. The detachableelectrocardiographic system according to claim 1 wherein the conductorscomprise a shielded wire that electrically couples the first set ofelectrodes to the second part of the detachable electrocardiographsystem.
 5. The detachable electrocardiographic system according to claim1 wherein the second part comprises an intermediate flexible layer;wherein the electrodes are positioned between the second bottom portionand the intermediate flexible layer.
 6. The detachableelectrocardiographic system according to claim 5 comprising a firstelectrical circuit that comprises the second set of electrodes and afirst set of conductors that are electrically coupled to electrodes ofthe first and second sets of electrodes.
 7. The detachableelectrocardiographic system according to claim 6 wherein the firstelectrical circuit further comprises a ground conductor that iselectrically coupled to a ground input of the electrical connector. 8.The detachable electrocardiographic system according to claim 6 furthercomprising a second electrical circuit that comprises a second set ofconductors that are electrically coupled to the first set of conductorsand to the electrical connector.
 9. The detachable electrocardiographicsystem according to claim 8 wherein the intermediate flexible layer anda base layer of the mechanical adaptor are positioned between the firstand second electrical circuit, and wherein the inter-layer conductorsextend through the intermediate flexible layer and the base layer of themechanical adaptor.
 10. The detachable electrocardiographic systemaccording to claim 8 wherein conductors of the first and second sets ofconductors are coupled to each other via inter-layer conductors that arepass through the intermediate flexible layer and the base layer of themechanical adaptor.
 11. The detachable electrocardiographic systemaccording to claim 10 wherein the inter-layer conductors comprisemetallic bolts.
 12. The detachable electrocardiographic system accordingto claim 11 wherein metallic bolts comprise a first set of bolts and asecond set of bolts; wherein the second set of bolts are coupled betweenthe second set of conductors and the first set of bolts and wherein thefirst set of bolts are coupled between the second set of conductors andthe first set of conductors.
 13. The detachable electrocardiographicsystem according to claim 12 wherein each bolt of the first set of boltsis electrically coupled to a bolt of the second set of bolts to providea pair of coupled bolts; wherein each pair of coupled bolts is coupledto a single electrode out of the electrodes of the first and second setof electrodes.
 14. The detachable electrocardiographic system accordingto claim 12 wherein each bolt of the first set of bolts penetratedthrough an opening formed in the intermediate layer and each bolt of thesecond set of bolts penetrates through the openings formed in the baselayer of the mechanical adaptor.
 15. The detachable electrocardiographicsystem according to claim 8 wherein the second electrical circuit ispositioned between the base layer of the mechanical adaptor and an upperlayer of the mechanical adaptor.
 16. The detachable electrocardiographicsystem according to claim 1 wherein the first and second sets ofelectrodes essentially consist of electrodes located on a body of apatient substantially at the following electrodes connection locations:(a) in the second intercostal space to the right of the sternum, (b) onthe intersection of the left medial clavicular line and the fifthintercostal space, (c) on the intersection of the fifth intercostalspace and left median-axillar line.
 17. The detachableelectrocardiographic system according to claim 1 wherein the first andsecond sets of electrodes essentially consist of: (a) a first electrodethat is substantially located on the intersection of the fifthintercostal space and left median-axillar line; (b) a second electrodethat is substantially located on the body of the patient in the secondintercostal space to the right of the sternum; and (c) a third electrodethat is substantially located on the body of the patient on theintersection of the left medial clavicular line and the fifthintercostal space; wherein: (a) a first electrocardiographic signal isdetected between the second electrode and the first electrode; (b) asecond electrocardiographic signal is detected between the secondelectrode and the third electrode; and (c) a third electrocardiographicsignal is detected between the third electrode and the first electrode.18. The detachable electrocardiographic system according to claim 1wherein the first and second sets of electrodes essentially consist ofelectrodes located on a body of a patient substantially at the followingelectrode connection locations: (a) in the second intercostal space tothe right of the sternum, (b) on the intersection of the left medialclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space, (c) on the intersectionof the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillar line, and (d) areference electrode that is substantially located in proximity to anelectrode of the electrode group that is located in the secondintercostal space to the right of the sternum.
 19. The detachableelectrocardiographic system according to claim 1 wherein the second setelectrodes essentially consist of electrodes located on a body of apatient substantially at the following electrode connection locations:(a) on the intersection of the left medial clavicular line and the fifthintercostal space and (b) on the intersection of the fifth intercostalspace and left median-axillar line, and wherein the first set ofelectrodes essentially consists of an electrode and a referenceelectrode located on the body of the patient substantially atsubstantially a second intercostal space to the right of the sternum.20. The detachable electrocardiographic system according to claim 1wherein the first set electrodes essentially consist of electrodeslocated on a body of a patient substantially at the following electrodeconnection locations: (a) on the intersection of the left medialclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space and (b) on theintersection of the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillarline, and wherein the second set of electrodes essentially consists ofan electrode and a reference electrode located on the body of thepatient substantially at substantially a second intercostal space to theright of the sternum.
 21. The detachable electrocardiographic systemaccording to claim 1 comprising shielding elements for shielding theconductors that convey signals from the first and second sets ofelectrodes to the electrical connector.
 22. The detachableelectrocardiographic system 1 wherein the electrical connector comprisesa housing that is connected to the base layer of the mechanical adaptorand comprises a socket that is arranged to move in relation to baselayer of the mechanical adaptor.
 23. A method for electrocardiographicdetecting, the method comprises: receiving electrocardiographic signalsby an electrocardiographic device of an electrocardiographic system; theelectrocardiographic system further comprises an adaptor that comprisesa first part and a second part; wherein the first part comprises a firsthousing that comprises of a first bottom layer that is elastic and hasan underside provided with an adhesive material; a first set ofelectrodes that is located within the first housing; wherein the firstset of electrodes comprises at least one first electrode; wherein thesecond part comprises: a second housing that comprises a second bottomlayer that has an underside provided with an adhesive material; a secondset of electrodes that are located within the second housing; whereinthe second set of electrodes comprises at least one second electrode; amechanical adaptor that is arranged to be detachably connected to theelectrocardiographic device that comprises a processor and a wirelesstransmitter; and an electrical connector that is detachably is arrangedto be detachably connected to the electrocardiographic device and toelectrically couple the electrocardiographic device to conductors thatconvey signals from the first and second sets of electrodes; andproviding, by the electrocardiographic device, electrocardiographicinformation in response to the electrocardiographic signals.
 24. Themethod according to claim 23 wherein each of the electrocardiographicsignals is detected between a different pair of electrodes out of anelectrode group that substantially consists of electrodes located on abody of a patient substantially at the following electrodes connectionlocations: (a) in the second intercostal space to the right of thesternum, (b) on the intersection of the left medial clavicular line andthe fifth intercostal space, (c) on the intersection of the fifthintercostal space and left median-axillar line.
 25. The method accordingto claim 23, wherein the receiving comprises receiving theelectrocardiographic signals detected between different pairs ofelectrodes out of the electrode group, wherein the electrode groupsubstantially consist of: (a) a first electrode that is substantiallylocated on the intersection of the fifth intercostal space and leftmedian-axillar line; (b) a third electrode that is substantially locatedon the body of the patient in the second intercostal space to the rightof the sternum; and (c) a fourth electrode that is substantially locatedon the body of the patient on the intersection of the left medialclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space; wherein: (a) a firstelectrocardiographic signal is detected between the third electrode andthe first electrode; (b) a second electrocardiographic signal isdetected between the third electrode and the fourth electrode; and (c) athird electrocardiographic signal is detected between the fourthelectrode and the second electrode.
 26. The method according to claim25, wherein the receiving follows a stage of detecting theelectrocardiographic signals, wherein the detecting further comprisesdetecting at least one of the electrocardiographic signals byimplementing a reference electrode that is substantially located inproximity to an electrode of the electrode group that is located on theintersection of the fifth intercostal space and left median-axillarline.